"Had Shakespeare and Milton lived in the atmosphere of modern feeling, had they had the multitude of new thoughts and feelings to deal with a modern has, I think it likely the style of each would have been far less curious and exquisite. For in a man style is the saying in the best way what you have to say. The what you have to say depends on your age. In the 17th century it was a smaller harvest than now, and sooner to be reaped; and therefore to its reaper was left time to stow it more finely and curiously. Still more was this the case in the ancient world. The poet's matter being the hitherto experience of the world, and his own, increases with every century."
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Academics from EnglandEssayists from EnglandRomantic poetsPoets from EnglandJournalists from England
Original Language: English
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Letter to Arthur Hugh Clough (December 1847/early 1848)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Matthew_Arnold
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Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnold (24 December 1822 – 15 April 1888) was an English poet, essayist and cultural critic. He also pursued a career as an inspector of schools.
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